Finding Text
2022-004 Procurement U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE passed through the Louisiana Department of Education 10.553, 10.555, 10.559, 10.582 Child Nutrition Cluster COVID-19 ? Supply Chain Assistance (10.559) 2021-2022 Award Year Grant No. 2004-VJJPRTNJCKL7 Questioned Costs: None. Criteria: According to LA R.S. 38:2212.1, the School Board is required for purchases of materials and supplies exceeding the sum of $30,000 to be paid out of public funds shall be advertised and let by contract to the lowest responsible bidder who has bid according to the specifications as advertised. Universe / Population: The universe / population was eight vendors paid in excess of $25,000 by the grant program during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022. This was a statistically valid sample. Condition: The School Board did not advertise for bid the supplies of fresh and frozen produce totaling in the amount of $89,867 paid to a vendor. Cause: The School Board did not solicit this item for bid due to lack of response from vendors in recent years. Effect: The School Board is out of compliance with the statute referenced above. As a result, the School Board may not have received the lowest price for the purchase of fresh and frozen produce. Recommendation: All purchases of materials and supplies in excess of the stipulated limit should be bid in accordance with the above statute. Repeat finding: No. View of Responsible Official and Planned Corrective Action: The School Board will strengthen its policies and procedures to ensure compliance with the public bid law.